Music.        

Music sooths the savage breast.

Music makes us feel.

I’m coming up on my 50^th year high school reunion and was reminiscing about some of the music from my pre-teen and teen years which made an impact on my burgeoning self: the Monkees; The Beatles; "Crimson & Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells; "Everything I Own" by Bread; and "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals.  These songs and more were the soundtrack of my youth—the songs that allowed the deep feelings of love, angst and hope. 

Music touches us emotionally where words alone can’t.  Music has a healing power and can improve health, well-being, and mood.  It is cathartic and even a sad song when belted out singing with the radio can empower and give us a sense of being understood.  For those with severe memory issues, music still touches, and memory is intact with the song and lyrics as if it were yesterday.  Songs can run the gamut from silly, sad, happy, love and those which tell a story.  Movies are made more powerful by their soundtracks—parties made better from background music—travel in the car enhanced by playing favorite music.

We are so fortunate to have free concerts, Vina Robles, and more to scratch our music itch.  And, of course, we sometimes include bands at our NCNC events.  Whatever your favorite musical genre, it seems there is something for everyone.  What are your favorite songs which bring you back to a pivotal time and place?  Which are your favorite local bands?  Whatever the answers to these questions music seems to make us feel good and connect with others. 

Cheers to music, music and more music!

Bambi Peters

NCNC President 2023-24